Key Takeaways
Microneedling with PRP combines the collagen-boosting power of micro-injuries with the accelerated healing of your body’s own Platelet-Rich Plasma. Expect improved skin texture, reduced fine lines, and minimized pores with minimal downtime—typically just one to two days of mild redness. Results begin to appear in as little as one to two weeks, peaking around two months. This article explains how the treatment works, what to expect during your appointment, and whether you are a good candidate for this non-invasive approach to facial rejuvenation.
Table of Contents
For decades, the pursuit of a flawless complexion meant relying on synthetic creams, harsh chemical peels, or invasive surgeries with lengthy, often painful recoveries. But what if the ultimate anti-aging serum didn’t arrive in a monthly subscription box or a two-day shipping window, but was already flowing through your veins?
At Atlanta Innovative Medicine, our aesthetics team uses the groundbreaking science of regenerative medicine to help transform your skin from the inside out. By combining the proven technique of microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)—a concentrated powerhouse of growth factors derived purely from your own blood—we tap into your body’s innate ability to heal, restore, and tighten itself. If you are looking for a highly effective, natural approach to erasing fine lines and refreshing your appearance, here is everything you need to know about combining microneedling with PRP in our PRP facial rejuvenation treatments.
What is Microneedling with PRP?
Microneedling with PRP combines two popular skin procedures into one simple protocol. By teaming them up into a single treatment, like our PRP facial, we can naturally kickstart your skin’s collagen production using your body’s own built-in healing process. Let’s take a closer look at each component and how they work together.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive clinical procedure in which a specialized medical pen creates thousands of controlled, microscopic “injuries” on the skin’s surface. These invisible punctures act as tiny channels that trigger the body’s natural wound-healing processes. Specifically, it forces the skin to shed old, damaged tissue and prompts the immediate release of elastin and collagen—the structural proteins that keep your skin firm, tight, and youthful-looking.
What is PRP?
PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma, is the undisputed “liquid gold” of regenerative aesthetic medicine. Human blood consists of four main components: red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Platelets are the cells responsible for wound healing and are packed with hundreds of active growth factors. In fact, PRP has already been shown to help treat soft tissue injuries in professional athletes and weekend warriors alike, reducing pain, swelling, and recovery time. Today, we harness that exact same rapid-healing power for your skin.
To create PRP, we draw a small sample of your blood and place it in a sophisticated machine called a centrifuge. This device spins the vial at high speed (around 4,000 RPM) to separate blood components by density. The red blood cells are discarded, leaving behind an autologous (from your own body) plasma that features roughly five to ten times the concentration of platelets compared to unaltered blood.
Ready to unlock your skin’s natural healing power? Contact Atlanta Innovative Medicine today for a free consultation at 770.416.9995 and let our experts design a customized facial rejuvenation plan just for you.
Why Microneedling and PRP Are Used Together
While applying plasma to tiny pinpricks in the skin might sound a bit like science fiction, the reality is actually incredibly natural. PRP facial rejuvenation is a gentle, effective way to fast-track your skin’s own healing process, giving you a fresh, healthy glow without any harsh ingredients
How Microneedling Works on the Skin:
On its own, microneedling acts as a catalyst. By breaking up old collagen strands and stimulating the production of new skin cells, it smooths out the surface level of the dermis. However, the skin can only rebuild as fast as its baseline healing rate allows, and it requires a massive amount of cellular energy and nutrients to do so effectively—hence the “with PRP.”
How PRP Supports Facial Rejuvenation:
When PRP is introduced during a microneedling session, the newly formed microchannels serve as direct, open pathways for your highly concentrated platelets. Instead of waiting for the skin to heal at a normal pace—sucking up time and nutrients—PRP floods the targeted tissue with over a dozen active growth factors. This immediately stimulates new blood flow, rapidly increases the formation of fresh collagen, and signals additional repair cells to the area. Because the PRP is 100% natural and comes from your own body, there is no risk of an allergic reaction or rejection.
The Benefits of a PRP Facial
Because it works at a fundamental cellular level to regenerate tissue, this therapy is highly adaptable and effectively treats a broad spectrum of visible skin damage and signs of aging.
A standard PRP facial at our clinic targets the entire face—including the cheeks, forehead, and chin (excluding the delicate lips and nose). It is highly effective at addressing:
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Plumps the skin from the inside out by rebuilding a strong, dense collagen matrix.
- Texture Issues: Smooths out rough patches, acne scars, and uneven skin tones.
- Oversized Pores: Tightens the surrounding skin, visibly shrinking and refining the appearance of enlarged pores.
- Dullness: Promotes rapid, healthy cellular turnover for a brighter, more luminous complexion.
What to Expect During a Microneedling with PRP Session
We know the thought of a blood draw can make some people nervous, but we work hard to make your PRP facial with our AIM team an easy, comfortable experience that usually wraps up in under an hour.
First, our experienced nurse will do a quick, standard blood draw. They’ll place your vials into the centrifuge, and for the next 15 to 20 minutes, your only job is to relax while the machine does the work to separate out your PRP. Once that “liquid gold” is ready, our nurse practitioner will use a specialized microneedling pen to create tiny pathways in your skin, administering and massaging the healing plasma in as they go. While you may feel a mild, scratchy sensation similar to a light pinprick, the device is minimally invasive. Our patients consistently tell us that any discomfort is highly tolerable and that the whole procedure is over before they know it.
Subscribe for Expert Insights and Our Ebook
A Closer Look at Regenerative Medicine: Comparing Your Options Learn about treatment options like Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Prolozone Therapy, and Stem Cell Therapy.
Recovery, Downtime, and When Results Appear
You can return to your normal routine almost immediately after your PRP facial. Most patients see fast, organic results that continue to improve over time.
- The First 48 Hours: Post-treatment, your skin will be red and may feel warm, similar to a mild sunburn. You might also experience slight tightness and a lingering stinging sensation, but these minor side effects typically subside within 1 to 2 days.
- Weeks 1 to 2: As the growth factors take effect, patients tend to see dramatic early results. The skin begins to look noticeably tighter, the texture smooths out, and fine lines appear softer.
- Month 2 and Beyond: Because your body is actively building new collagen, your skin will continue to heal and remodel, with optimal results usually peaking around two months post-treatment.
For the most transformative, long-lasting outcome, we generally recommend that patients undergo a series of four treatments spaced over four months.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Microneedling with PRP?
Because the primary active ingredient is your own concentrated plasma, this treatment is remarkably safe and suitable for virtually anyone looking to naturally refresh their complexion.
It is the perfect preventative and restorative treatment for mild to moderate signs of aging, sun damage, and textural issues across all skin types and tones. However, if you are experiencing more severe skin laxity, significant volume loss, or deep facial sagging, you may be a better candidate for our more intensive PRP Facelift, which combines targeted subdermal PRP injections with hyaluronic acid fillers to lift cheekbones and restore deeper facial volume.
Book Your Appointment with AIM Aesthetics
If you are ready to ditch harsh chemicals and harness your body’s own incredible healing power for brighter, younger-looking skin, PRP facial rejuvenation treatment with our experienced team might be exactly what you’re looking for.
At Atlanta Innovative Medicine, we specialize in advanced, non-invasive procedures for patients seeking safe, effective alternatives to risky surgeries and aggressive beauty regimens. We will help you navigate your options and customize a regenerative aesthetic strategy that perfectly meets your goals.
Call our clinic today at 770.416.9995 to schedule your free consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare for a microneedling with PRP appointment?
Because the success of the procedure depends on a healthy blood draw, the best way to prepare is to eat a nutritious meal and drink plenty of water to ensure you are well-hydrated before you arrive at our clinic.
What should I avoid before microneedling with PRP?
To minimize your risk of bruising during the treatment, you should avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and high-dose fish oil) for several days prior to the treatment. You should also avoid excessive sun exposure to ensure your skin is not irritated before the microneedling begins.
Can I wear makeup after microneedling with PRP?
No, you must avoid wearing any makeup for at least 24 to 48 hours following your session. The micro-channels created by the pen remain open for a short period, and applying makeup can introduce bacteria, which can lead to irritation or infection.
How soon can I return to exercise after microneedling with PRP?
We recommend pausing rigorous exercise, heavy sweating, and the use of saunas for at least 48 hours. Sweating can irritate the freshly treated skin and allow bacteria to enter the healing micro-channels.
Can microneedling with PRP be combined with other facial aesthetic treatments?
Absolutely. PRP is an incredibly versatile tool. For patients seeking deeper volume restoration alongside surface-level improvements, we offer the PRP Facelift, which pairs subdermal PRP injections with a natural hyaluronic acid filler to jumpstart repair and visibly lift the face.
How often should microneedling with PRP be scheduled for maintenance?
After completing your initial, recommended series of treatments (usually four sessions over four months), our medical professionals suggest scheduling a single maintenance treatment every six months to a year to keep your collagen production elevated and your skin looking its best.
Is microneedling with PRP better than microneedling alone?
Yes. While traditional microneedling is a fantastic treatment, adding PRP delivers a highly concentrated dose of your own growth factors (up to 10 times the baseline found in normal blood) directly into the dermis. This vastly accelerates the healing process, cuts down on redness, and produces far more dramatic, long-lasting collagen growth.
Are there reasons someone should postpone microneedling with PRP?
You should definitely postpone your session if you currently have an active acne breakout, a cold sore flare-up, a fresh sunburn, or any active skin infection in the treatment area. Microneedling over compromised skin can spread bacteria and cause severe irritation.
When should I schedule microneedling with PRP before a wedding, event, or photos?
Because your collagen production peaks at about two months post-treatment, you should ideally start your series of sessions several months before a major event. Your final session should be booked at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance to ensure any residual redness has completely faded, and your skin is at its most radiant.
Where can I book microneedling with PRP in Atlanta?
Right here at Atlanta Innovative Medicine! Booking is easy; simply call our Atlanta clinic directly at 770.416.9995. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will answer any remaining questions and help you set up your appointment.
About the Author
Jessica Caspar, APRN received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Kennesaw State University and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama. She brings more than six years of specialized experience to AIM, with an advanced practice background in both orthopedics and regenerative aesthetics. Outside of the office, Jessica enjoys hiking with her fur babies, curling up on the couch with coffee and a good book, and spending time with her family.
Quizzes
Are you a candidate for Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative medicine can be an effective therapy and treatment option for lasting pain relief for a variety of conditions like osteoarthritis of the knee, hip or shoulder; ACL or meniscus tears; tennis or golfer’s elbow; chronic neck and back pain; and more.
Is it right for you and your condition? Take 1 minute to answer a few “yes or no” questions that help to assess if you might be a candidate for PRP, stem cell or other nonsurgical regenerative treatments.
Are You a Stem Cell Candidate for Your Joint or Spine Damage?
Are you a candidate for Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?
Do I have nonsurgical options for my injured or aging joints?
Take the Pain Medications Risk Quiz
All content of this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Individual results may vary. Your medical professional can explain all the risks and potential benefits of any therapy based on your specific circumstances. At this time regenerative therapies are not FDA approved. Neither Atlanta Innovative Medicine nor its physician affiliates promise regenerative therapies as a cure for any condition, disease, or injury.
Other Atlanta Areas We Service:
© 2024 Atlanta Innovative Medicine, LLC. All Rights Reserved. AIM Scholarship Opportunity
